Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) is bringing together an all-star instructor ensemble from around the U.S. to provide a Music Theatre Workshop tailored to provide real-world experience by teaching students the integration of drama, voice, movement and choreographed dance from July 13 to July 24 for ages 8 years-old to 18 years-old for $900 and a junior class from July 20 to 24 for ages 6 years to 7 years old for $500. Both classes are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MSA Alexandria studio at 5775 Barclay Drive. Go to www.metropolitanarts.org.

LearningRx brain training centers in the Washington, D.C. area are helping parents avoid the academic “summer slide” by providing summer brain training tips. During the summer, kids can lose an average 2 months of grade-level equivalency in math skills and 25 percent of their reading skills. LearningRx suggests cognitive exercises and games that can build brain ‘muscle’ and be fun too. For a free booklet of games, or for more information, go to www.learningrx.com.

“In many ways, the brain is like a muscle and the old adage “use it or lose it” certainly holds true,” said Maureen Loftus, executive director of LearningRx of Reston, Va. and Vienna, Va. “Mental exercise can keep the brain strong, just as physical exercise can keep the body strong,” said Loftus.

These exercises keep the brain energized while building cognitive skills, the underlying mental abilities needed to learn.

Carmello’s of Old Town Manassas, Va. is featuring a family-style Easter Brunch on Sun., Apr. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The brunch is $30 per person (not inclusive), while kids 12 years old and younger eat free. The brunch will include a variety of eggs, waffles, paella, salads, meats, seafood, potatoes, pizza, biscuits, breads, fruits, desserts, as well as featured entrees. For reservations, go to www.carmellos.com.

Monza of Old Town Manassas, Va. collected 60 coats for the local community shelter, SERVE, during January. For more information, call 703.368-5522 or go to www.eatmonza.com.

“Our winter coat drive was a great success due to the generous support of the Manassas community,” said Alice Pires, owner of Monza of Old Town Manassas, Va. “SERVE does so much for those in need, it’s our honor to help them with their programs,” said Pires.

Gavin Ohler, 10, of Arlington, Va. was awarded third place in LearningRx’s annual Presidents Day contest, by reciting the U.S. Presidents in order while playing Hannon on the piano. The U.S. President recitation is a memory-enhancement exercise that helps LearningRx students increase their short-term and long-term memory. For more information, go to www.learningrx.com.

The contest is designed to encourage kids across the country to create videos that demonstrate the memory and focus skills they improved with LearningRx brain training.